Genealogy Chat

see below in a mo

My great great grandmother Hannah Small died in Little Staughton, Bedfordshire on 14th March 1894 and, I believe, would have been buried in the local churchyard. Does anyone know how I can find out for sure without travelling there as it is a good 100 mile drive away? I know that for the local churchyard in the town where most of my family lived, and post 1900, is very helpful and can usually tell you which graveyard and even the plot number, but have never tried to trace a small ‘village’ one before. Is there a protocol for contacting local vergers or someone? Any help gratefully received. Kind regards Looby

Well its always worth writing to the church in question to ask them if they have copies of their burial register covering that period, give them the details of who you are looking for. Enclose a stamped self addressed envelope and also supply a phone number. Explain how far away you live and that you would like some information before making the trip etc. They usually are nice and helpful!

Cheers Alex, but have a feeling that I've had cause to write to churches in this area before and they weren't that helpful, but worth a try. Regards Looby

The County Records Office will also have copies of the burials within the parish registers. As you know the exact date of death, it shouldn't take them too long to have a quick look for you. Sam x

Thanks Sam Now for the complicate bit, Little Staughton would have been in Huntingdonshire at the time, but I think it is now Beds, so do I have to go to Beds Record Office? regards Looby PS - Have just emailed Beds Record Office, they will do a 'simple first enquiry' for nothing, so worth a shot!!!

Looby How about asking for someone with access to National Burial Index to carry out a search for you? Suzy

I have looked on The National Burial Index for you, but her burial is not there, Linda

What's the National Buriel Index, what does it cover and where do I find it, please. thanks Jeannie

I know the Bedfordshire Records office are very helpful but didn;t know they could do this. I've got both sides of my family buried in the tiny village of Knotting in Bedfordshire. Think I might e mail them and see if they can help. I live in Lincolnshire - quite a trip and last couple of times I've been the heavens have openes, couldn't even get out of the car for the rain.